# Integrating scRNA-seq and machine learning identifies MNAT1 as a therapeutic target in OSCC

## TL;DR

This study combines single-cell RNA sequencing and machine learning to identify MNAT1 as a potential treatment target for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

## Contribution

The study introduces a T cell-related ubiquitination risk model and identifies MNAT1 as a novel therapeutic target in OSCC.

## Key findings

- The T cell-related ubiquitination risk model correlates with immune infiltration and immunotherapy response in OSCC.
- MNAT1 depletion reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro.
- Cell-cell communication analysis reveals epithelial-macrophage interactions via MIF and IFN-II signaling.

## Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma, with high global incidence and mortality, requires improved early intervention strategies. Ubiquitination - a critical post-translational modification - has been strongly implicated in tumorigenesis, with particularly significant roles in T-cell regulation. We developed a T Cell-Related ubiquitination risk model that enhances prognostic prediction and immunotherapy response assessment, offering a framework for personalized OSCC manageme.

T cell-Related Ubiquitination genes were identified based on scRNA-seq analysis, and key genes were selected using WGCNA and LASSO algorithms to construct a prognostic model. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant associations between riskScore and immune infiltration levels, checkpoint molecule expression, and MMR activity. Pseudotemporal trajectory and cell-cell communication analyses delineated dynamic gene expression patterns driving OSCC progression. Functional validation through colony formation and Transwell assays confirmed the tumor-suppressive effects of key model genes.

Given the high correlation between T cell-Related Ubiquitination genes and the prognosis of OSCC patients, a prognostic model based on patient scRNA-seq data was constructed and validated. The RiskScore derived from our model correlated significantly with expression levels of MMR genes, abundance of immune checkpoint proteins, and immunotherapy response. Cell-cell communication analysis further elucidated epithelial-macrophage crosstalk via MIF and IFN-II signaling, suggesting microenvironment-driven progression mechanisms. In vitro functional assays showed that depletion of MNAT1 impaired Cal27 cell proliferation and migration capacity.

Collectively, integrating T cell-Related Ubiquitination genes through advanced computational analyses, we established a robust prognostic model for OSCC and identified MNAT1 as a promoter of malignant progression, highlighting its therapeutic potential.